Rice And Chicken
A creamy, hearty chicken and rice casserole with flavorful vegetables, perfect for family dinners and comfort food enthusiasts seeking rich, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion and bell pepper in margarine. Strain out pepper and onion; set aside.
- Measure out 2 tablespoons of the margarine used for sauteing and put into a large frying pan.
- Heat margarine and add dry Rice-A-Roni, cooking until light brown.
- Add 2 3/4 cups chicken broth and the flavor package included with Rice-A-Roni.
- Add chipped chicken, strained peppers and onions, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup.
- Mix well, then heat without boiling.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.
- During the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking, top the casserole with Velveeta cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting the chicken broth with homemade stock. If you don't have sour cream, Greek yogurt can be a great alternative. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. To enhance the dish, add a dash of garlic powder or your favorite herbs. This Rice And Chicken recipe pairs beautifully with a side of green beans or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Rice And Chicken dish is delicious on its own but can be served alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting experience, pair it with a slice of garlic bread or cornbread. You might also enjoy exploring more American recipes that feature chicken for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and warm it in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, which helps maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice And Chicken contains roughly 557 calories, with 3g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 726mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of Rice-A-Roni?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. Typically, brown rice requires about 1.5 times the amount of liquid and a longer cooking time, around 40-50 minutes. Ensure the rice is cooked thoroughly before mixing with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven, and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you want a healthier option, you can make a homemade version of cream of chicken soup using a roux, chicken broth, and seasonings. Alternatively, a can of cream of mushroom soup or even a dairy-free cream soup can be used for a different flavor profile while keeping the dish creamy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).